(Sept. 2, 2009 – 7:56 a.m.) The Water Wheel Fire is burning 13 miles northeast of Payson in the vicinity of the Water Wheel Campground and south of Whispering Pines subdivision, which is located on Houston Mesa Road (Route 199). It is 773 acres and is 20 percent contained.

 

With the reduced risk to the Beaver Valley subdivision, the evacuation order for that area was lifted and residents returned to their homes Monday night. The evacuation warnings for Geronimo Estates, Rim Trail, Verde Glen, Cowan Ranch, Washington Park and Knoell Ranch were also lifted.

 

Residents of the Whispering Pines subdivision will be permitted to return to their homes at 5 p.m. this evening. Access to and egress from that community will only be allowed by way of the Control Road.

 

The evacuation center maintained throughout this incident by the Red Cross at the Payson High School will be closed at 5:00 p.m. today.

 

The fire area remains closed to the public. Public access in the area is restricted to the roadways and private property.

 

The Houston Mesa Road between Beaver Valley and Whispering Pines will remain closed due to the presence of rolling debris and hazard trees overhanging the road. Also, guard rails, power lines and phone lines along the road need replacement.

 

Firefighters are working today to build and improve the line on the north side of the fire. Taking advantage of the increased humidity and the low fire intensity Monday, firefighters completed fire line around the south and east flanks of the Water Wheel Fire.

 

Additionally, they established line on the northeast corner of the fire. Actions on Tuesday will include the continued containment of the fire, mop-up of the perimeter, and the rehabilitation of those areas disturbed by the fire suppression efforts.

 

Water Wheel Fire, Aug. 30, 2009. Picture courtesy Arizona State Forestry Division.

 

Resources include 10 crews, 18 engines, 3 water tenders and 4 dozers. Available air support includes 3 helicopters and 2 air tankers. Total personnel are 450.

 

Management of the fire is assigned to the Type 2 Incident Management Team (AZ Central West), Tony Sciacca, Incident Commander.

 

For more information about this incident, please call Tonto National Forest Payson Ranger District public information at (928) 474-7900.

 

(Source: Arizona Central West Zone Incident Management Team)